I know a lot of Potter fans have crossed the bridge to Neil Gaiman, or vice versa, but some people may have not! Any of his books would be a good place to start. My personal favourite is American Gods, followed closely by Neverwhere and Anansi Boys.
His writing is witty and reletively easy to read. The twists and storylines are intricate and very enjoyable.
I suggest you give him a shot :)_________________Lamina Court

Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher. That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number.

That said (with a creepy, drooly voice), Neil Gaiman is an amazing source of story-telling wizardry. His style is filled with wit, his stories are filled with imagination, and there's even a hint of sensuality. For starters, I would recommend Neverwhere or Stardust for people interested in a straight-up adventure in fantasy or his short story collected Smoke and Mirrors if you'd rather get to know his style before commiting to a book. If you have the money, get his acclaimed comic book series The Sandman, I swear that it changed my life. You think I'm kidding?

Neil Gaiman is the reason I will become an author.

Period._________________What started as a simple pleasure became the token of my every gesture...

I have a friend who got her books signed by him. *grin* I've been recced him by too many people lately to ignore it, I'm going to have to go read some of his stuff. First, I must try to find out what happened to my library card. So should I get Neverwhere or Stardust first, then?_________________~ Ailsa

((See that post count there? That's not all mine, it's shared with the wonderful Eddy.))

I guess I'd ask what you're more in the mood for. Stardust is more "traditional" fantasy because there are mystic lands, questing, magic, creatures, and so on. Neverwhere is more of a modern-day fantasy adventure where you take someone whose from our recognized world and transplant them into an unfamiliar place.

I'd say more about either, but I don't want to spoil it for you :)_________________What started as a simple pleasure became the token of my every gesture...

I agree with Courtney on all she said about Neil (except that I'm not becoming an author ;) I'll leave that to you, dear!)

I started out with Neverwhere, then headed to Stardust and American Gods. (And then Anansi Boys, Smoke and Mirrors). I've asked for Coraline for Christmas, too, because I can never find it :(
Stardust is an easier read than the rest. It's shorter and quicker to the point, I find, with less twists and such. A very nice introduction to Neil's works._________________Lamina Court

Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher. That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number.

Oh, I LOVE Neil Gaiman. He's absolutely amazing. Sandman has to be my most favorite book of his. Perhaps it's because it deals so much with mythology (*is in love with all sorts of myths and legends*) and connects with the fact that we do need something to cling onto.

Definitely a good recommendation. :D_________________I got nothin'. I just felt like it was time for a change in signature.

YESSSS! I can't believe I wasn't the one to make this rec, but no matter. I'd have to agree with Oy Angelina here: Neil is the reason I want to become a writer, too. His books are funny, and sexy, and scary, and kind, and so many other things... GOD. The Sandman is unparalleled, and the Death books are excellent too. American Gods remains my favorite of his novels; I have to say that Stardust is actually the book I like least of Neil's. Smoke and Mirrors is also fantastic, and Coraline... well, if you read Coraline you will never (I say NEVER) be able to look at marbles or buttons the same way again. Scared me out of my skin, even though it's a children's book.

And no, I'm not done yet. I went to a reading/signing of his in Boston this October and it was unbelievable. The line (hours before the doors opened) twined around three blocks, and it was made up almost entirely of black-clad, tattooed goths in their mid-20's. I think I was the only one in line wearing pink (heh), but still Neil fans are great and when the doors opened I was deep in conversation with the guys behind me about Slavic mythology in American Gods. It was DIVINE. (Oh, and incidentally, the reading was in a CHURCH! We were all just like, ha, Neil is our American god...)

Everyone must read something by this man, he will change your life.

Tess_________________"listen: there's a hell of a good universe next door; let's go" -- e.e. cummings

If you don't know London at all Neverwhere will be a bit of a mystery to you - still good but you'll miss half the jokes. Good Omens [with Terry Pratchett] is his best IMO, though Anansi Boys is great too._________________Noli illegitimi carborundum.

I saw the movie stardust. Does it come anywhere near the book?
Cause the movie was completely awesome, and my friend and I were in tears cause we were laughing so hard at points. But then again my sister really didn't find anything special about the movie. So she didn't start yelling at her friend part way through "MY GOD MR. WEASLEYS THE GOAT" . I just don't know the actors name.

I really want to read his books. It's just that my library decided that my card wouldn't work so now I can't order books online then just randomly pop in and be all I need to read. =(_________________niccooolllleeee

having forgotten all about this thread, I wanted to g watch Stardust. haven't gotten around to it yet, but my brother HAS just bought American Gods, so I'll be reading that soon enough._________________Names, shames; fames, frames; blames, exclaims

American Gods may also be my favourite Gaiman novel. The Sandman series is his most impressive work, though._________________The Horton-Keitch Breaking Charm. So OTP. *becomes one of Rowling's giggling girls*

I still have not read Sandman, though I have been meaning to for ever. I don't want to just go out and buy it all (it's on my Christmas list), so I'm trying to find someone to borrow it from. So far no luck. I'm seriously considering hanging out at a bookstore at lunch and reading it clandestinely. *grins*_________________Chelle

Blessed are the cracked for they shall let in the light.
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